सुत्त

Monday, June 1, 2009

The Five Hindrances

“ Moments of Awakening “ is a page created by Allan O'Marra ; It’s a series of paintings that metaphorically illustrate moments of transcendence on the path to the realization of enlightenment. The Buddha likened the 5 hindrances to 5 kinds of impurities affecting a bowl of water, preventing one from seeing one's own reflection as it really is & they are :

Sensual Desire or Greed

Aversion or Ill-will

Sloth and Torpor

Restlessness and Anxiety

Doubt

Sensual Desire or Greed : is like a colorful water surface colored by paint, that interferes with our ability to see clearly.

Aversion or Ill-will : is like a bubbling, boiling water surface that obscures our ability to see clearly.

Sloth and Torpor : is like a stagnant water surface that obscures our ability to see clearly.

Restlessness and Anxiety : is like a churned up water surface with waves that interferes with our ability to see clearly.

Doubt : is like a muddy water surface that clouds our ability to see clearly.

Do not believe in anything (simply)because you have heard it.Do not believe in traditions because theyhave been handed down for many generations.Do not believe in anything because it isspoken and rumoured by many.Do not believe in anything (simply)becauseit is found in your religious books.Do not believe in anything merelely on the authorityof your teachers & elders.But after observations & analysis,when you find anything that agrees with reasonand is conducive to the good & benefit of one & allthen accept it & live upto it . Buddha ( Angutra Nikaya , vol 1, 188-193 )